Fire extinguisher



Sept. 20, 1932. R. c. lDDlNGS FIRE EXTINGUISHER Filed Aug. 5, 1926 Y I gnvzntoz noscon c. nmmes, or mnz'ron, omo, ASSIGNOB "r THE Ira-Irma column; or"

Patented Sept. 20, 1932 UNITED STATES,

PATENT oar-ice DAYTON, OHIO, A GORPOBATIONOF OHIQ FIRE EXTING'IJ'ISHEB hpplication flled August 5,

This invention relates to pressure, containers and more particularly to fire-extinguishing apparatus and to pressure-relief mechanism therefor.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to provide means for preventing damage to pressure containers, such as are used in fire-extinguishing apparatus, when excessive pressures are produced therein. v

Another object of the invention is to provide means for preventing dama e to such pressure containers as a result of reezing of the liquid within such containers.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description thereof set out below when taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing in which like characters of reference designate like parts throughout the several views thereof,

Fig. 1 is avertical sectional view through a fire-extinguishing apparatus embodying this invention;

Fig. 2 is a. sectional view on an enlarged ieale of the pressure-relieving mechanism of Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of a slight modification, showing the pressure-relief mechanism applied to the side wall of the container; and

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view of still another positioning of the pressure-relief mechanism,applied to the bottom of the container.

As showing a preferred embodiment of the invention it is illustrated in connection with fire-extinguishing apparatus which may be of any conventional type, such as a soda-acid type. In the form shown the extinguisher comprises a sheet metal container 10 having a portion 11 with'a flat face which serves as a base upon which the container sets when not in use. In some instances the container is attached to a bracket or other support afiixed to a wall, but in any event the container during periods of non-use is positioned with the end 11 as the bottom end. The top end is provided with 'a centrally arranged opening 15, having an upstanding externally threaded flange 16 therearoun 1928. Serial in. 127,835.-

which serves asthe charging opening,the chemicals which are contained withln, the extinguisher, and which serve, when discharged from the'container 10 to extinguish fires'being introduced through the charging opening 15.

Threadedly mounted u on the flange 16'is a cap 17, having a lur 'ty of arms or extensions 18 pre eralily connected by a ring 19. This cap, and the arm-supported ring carried thereby, serve the double function,- in addition to closing the charging. opening-,-, of furnishing a hand hold for handling the extinguisher, and also of serving as a supporting base for sustaining the extinguisher in the inverted position which is imparted to it when it is desired to eject the chemicals therefrom.

The extinguisher shown in the drawing is of the type in which a plurality of chemicals are maintained within the casing 10, normally out of contact during periods of non-'use, the arrangement being such that when it is desired to use the extinguisher the chemicals may be expelled b developing suitable pressure to force t e extinguishin li 'uids through a delivery orifice and nozz e. hese chemicals may be of any suitable character,

and the source of pressure for expelling themmay vary. As shown, however, the extinguisher is of the type which is ordinarily known as a soda and acid extinguisher. In such an extinguisher the casing 10 is very largely filled, as indicated generally by the numeral 25, with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and water, or any other analogous solution. Supported within the container is a vessel 26, containing a suitable acid. This vessel may be of any suitable material which is resistant to the acid on the inside and the soda or other solution on the outside, such as a glass bottle. As shown this bottle is su ported'within a cage 27. This cage may e made of wires, the upper ends of which are connected to a ring 28. The iimer wall of the extension 16 is provided with a plurality of lugs 29, and the ring 28, when it is inserted into the container 10 rests upon these lugs, and with the acid bottle carried by the cage, is supported in position. After the cage and the acid in that container escapes with the acidcontainerisinsertedin 0d tion, and the-soda solution has also introduced into the container, the cover 17 is screwed into position to close the container, and at the same time serves to clamp the rm am? the acid container in position. acid container is provided with a sto per 35, which rests upon the open mouth 0 the bottle, bein held in tplace by gravity. When it is desi to use e extinguisher the con- ,tainer 10 is inverted, the stopper falls away from the mouth ofthe acid containelg an mingles with the soda solution 25 which when the container 10 is inverted of coursev flows into the space aroundthe acid bottle, which is then the bottom of the container. The acid and soda solution reacting together crate. which will exert pressure upon t e chemlcals the contan'i'er and eject those chemicals through-theoutlet orifice. As shown the outlet orifice is located opposite the end 11 of the container and m such position that when the extinguisher is in inverted operative position the outlet orifice be adjacent the lowest part of the container. This outlet orifice may be of any desired character, but as shown is within a fitting 40 which extends through a suitable openin in the wall of the container and is soldere or otherwise secured in liquid-tight connection. The outer endof the fitting 40 is adapted for receiving a suitable hose and nozzle desi ated erally by the numeral 41, throug whi the fire-extinguishing hquids may be directed to any desired place. The inner end of the fitting extends toward the vertical axis of the extinguisher and is provided with an enlargement, having an enarged opening therein which is really an enlarged continuation of the outlet passage 42.

Inasmuch as the underwriters require a.

screen over the inner end of the outlet passage, such a, screen is fitted over the enlarged end of the within the enlarged extension 43 0 5mg.

With extinglishers of this character it is often found at when being handled, during periods of non-use or when they are sup-. ported so as to have a-swingin or tilting motion imparted to them, .as r instancewhere they are on shipboard, an agitation or sloshing of the liquid therein will be set up which will causethe liquid to overflow through the outlet orifice. As shown the fitting 40 is extended toward the center of the extinguisher such a distance thatthe screened orifice therein is out of the path of travel of any waves set up in the liquid due to movement. Furthermore the enlargement is so arranged that a blankwall is: presented toward the adjacent rtion of the container, which acts as a e to prevent liquid from entering the orifice, except when the container is a anti-splash construction.

vIn fire extinguishers foi: example, containers are always tested to withstand a pressure considerab '28 against the lugs 29 to hold the c igle,

y in excessof-the highest ,ressure whichwould' normally. be attained uring operation. But sometimes. abnormally excessive pressures occur. In order to prevent rupture of the container, under these excessive pressures, with possible damage, means is provided for relieving thepressure.

In the form of mechanism shown in Fig.

1 this relieving mechanism is carried by the cap 17 The cap is provided with an orifice,

preferably centralllyl'l arranged, designated by the numeral 50, w 'ch orifice is surrounded by an upstandingexternally-threaded flange 51, which has mounted thereon a cap 52. This cap is provided with a central passage 53 therem, to which is connected a plurality of radially arranged passages 54, connecting the interior of the passage 53 to the atmosphere. When the device is assembled a disc 55 is clamped between the cap and the end of the flange 51, a suitable gasket 56 for making a tight joint, being preferably inter flange. T e disc '55 is composed of some material which has a certain definite physical strength, the arrangement being such that when the pressure within the container exceeds a predetermined pressure which corresponds with the maximum resistance of the disc 55, the material of the disc 55 will be ru tured to relieve pressure. Preferably the disc 55 is, of lead, and its outer edges being tightly clamped between the cap and theend of the flange 51, the central part of the disc under the action of excessive ressures will be ruptured. Any suitable cm of material for the disc 55, other than lead, maybe used.-

The top 17, surrounding the orifice 50 is counter=bored to receive a screen 60 which serves merely to prevent clogging of the passage 50 by impurities. The screen 60 serves to prevent accumulation of impurities Within the passage 50 of the pressure relieving mechanism to thereby avoid alteration of the rupturing characteristics of the mechanismsed between the disc and the The construction shown is such that if the disc 55 becomes ruptured under excessive pressure the cap 52 may be readily removed to permit of replacement. v

In 3 is shown a slight modification of the e vice in which the pressure-reliefmechanism, which is of the same construcoccur in abnormal conditions such as stop-- page of the outlet orifice or something of that sort) but abnormal pressures may also result because of freezing of the liquid.

When the liquid in such a container is frozen the formation of ice will start at the top surface of the liquid. As the cake of ice is fonged .along the top surface, and the liquid slow the ice thereafter continues to expand as the temperature falls, tremendous pressures may be set up which would tend to rupture the container. But under such circumstances the disc "55' will be ruptured upon reaching a predetermined excess of ressure, and some of the liquid will thus allowed to escape to relieve the pressure.

A screen 60' may be fastened over the entrance to the pressure relief mechanism, as in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 shows still another positioning of the pressure-relief device. In this figure the device is shown as comprising a flange 70, which is attached tothe bottom 11 of the container. In case of excessive pressures as stated above, either through the development ofexcess gas pressures, or because of excess pressures in the liquid due to freezing the disc 55" will be ruptured and permit the escape of liquid relieving the pressure. As in Figs. 2 and 3, a screen 60" may be mounted over the entrance to the pressure relief mechanism.

While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made in either without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

-What is claimed is:

1. A fire extinguisher of the character described, comprising in combination, an upright outer container adapted to contain a liquid fire extinguishing medium therein, the

level of the liquid therein normally bein below the upper end of said container, said outer container having a filling opening, a cover normally closing said filling opening, an inner container adapted to contain a chemical therein for reaction with the liquid in said outer container, a support for suspending said inner container from the upper end of said outer container and dipping within the liquid within said outer container, a base for supporting the said extinguisher in upright position with. the bottom of the said outer container in spaced relation to the lower portion of said base, the said outer container having a second opening in the said bottom thereof belowthe normal liquid level therein adapted to communicate with atmosphere, a.v

casing fastened in liquid tight relation to the said bottom of said outer container about said second opening and spaced from the lower portion of said base, said casing having an opening therethrough in communication with said second opening in the outer container, a closure member for said opening in said casing subject to pressure within the container and constituted to rupture at a pressure less than that required to rupture the .outer container to permit escape of liquid from the said outer container through said openings to prevent rupture of said outer container, and a cap member removably mounted on sald casing for fastening s'aidclosure member in.

liquid tight relation toclose the opening through said casing.

2. The combination with a fire extinguishing device comprising a sheet metal outer container having a filling opening, a cover normally closing said opening, an inner container therein, said containers being adapted to hold fire extinguishing chemicals including a quantity of liquid within said outer container, supporting means for said inner container normally extending below the level of the said liquid, said outer sheet metal container also having a second opening positioned below the normal liquid level therein, a casingof thicker metal than the sheet metal of said outer container fastened over said second opening, said casing having a hollow portion providing an opening communicate ing with the interior of said outer container below the normal liquid level therein, a closure for said last mentioned opening adapted to rupture at a pressure less than that required to rupture the sheet metal container, and means for clamping said closure in place on said hollow portion, said clamping means substantially enclosing said closure.

.3. A fire extinguishing device of the character described comprising a container adapted to receive a fire extinguishing liquid, an outlet for said container to provide discharge of said liquid, a pressure relieving casing having a rupturable member mounted on said container independent of said outlet for automatically relieving excess pressure produced therein to prevent damage to said device, and a screen associated with said pressure relieving casing, said screen being positioned within said container on the inner side of said pressure relieving casing with reference to said rupturable member to prevent accumulation of impurities within said pressure relieving casing to thereby avoid alteration of the pressure relieving characteristics of said casing.

4. A fire extinguishing device of the character described comprising a container adapted to receive a fire extinguishing liquid, a

filling opening for said container, a cover for within said container on-the inner side of.

said rupturable member to prevent the accumulation of impurities within said pressure relieving mechanism to avoid alteration of the pressure relieving characteristics thereof.

5. A fire extinguishing device of the character described, comprising a container'having a filling opening, a removable cover for said filling opening, an outlet for said container independent of said cover, means 0 eratively carried by said cover so as to e undisturbed as to its operative assembly upon removal of the cover for automatically relieving excessive pressure produced within the container to prevent rupture of said container, and a screen associated with said-pressure relieving means and positioned within said container on the inner side of the pressure relieving means to prevent the accumulation of impurities within said pressure relieving means to avoid alteration of the pressure relieving characteristics thereof.

vice of the character described, a container holding fire extin hing chemicals therein,

said container having a screw-threaded filling opening therein, a removable cover therefor having a spaced annular handling ring providing a rest for said extinguisher when inverted, said cover having a screw-threaded opening therein, a member positioned over said opening in the cover to be subject to pressure within the container and adapted to rupture at a pre$ure less than the rupturing pressure of said container, a screw-cap re- 6. In an invertible fire extinguishing de-- which aid extin be expelled, sai outer container having a 'shing liquid is adapted to filling opening adjacent the up r end there of, a cover removably receiv thereoin-said covenhav ng an opemng therein, a closure for said opening sub ect to pressure said container andadapted to rupture at a pressure less than the rupturing pressure of said c ontainer, means for clamplng said closure in place on said cover, said closure and clamping means being so carried by said cover as to be undisturbed as to operative assembly upon removal of said cover, a member carr1ed by said extinguisher extending beyond said clgsurefand clamping means and foil'lming a ase or support sai extmguis' er when inverted, to therelg protect said closure and clamping means from in'ury upon inversion of the extinguisher, an a screen positioned between the interior of said container and the-opening in-said cover to prevent the accumulation o impurities within said opening behind said pressure relieving member.

8. A fire extinguisher of the character described comprising a container adapted to receive a fire extinguishing chemical, an outlet for said container to provide for discharge of said chemical, a pressure relievin vcasin having a 'rupturable member moun on said container for automatically relieving excess pressure produced therein to prevent damage to said extinguisher, and a concavo-convex screen associated with-said pressure relieving casing positioned within said container on the inner side of said rupturable member with the convex side of said screen facing in-' wardlyztoward the interior of said container.

In testimony whereof I hereto'aflix my signature. 7

' ROSCOE C. IDDINGS.

ceived upon said screw-threaded opening for I holding said member in operative assembly,

member.

A fire extinguisher of the character described, comprising an outer container adapted to receive a fire extinguishing liquid, an inner container adapted to receive chemical 1n said opening behind said pressure relievtherein, said extinguisher being adapted to be operated by inversion to cause mixing of chemicals therein to generate an expellin gas to expel fire extinguishing medium t ere 05 from, an outlet for said container through 

